I am an only child. She lives at home with a friend who also has trouble with depression. I've noticed some odd things... sending two cards at once, more hoarding behavior, repeating the same question or statement 5 times in a conversation, talking about sex alot, keeping irregular sleep patterns, etc. I go back between my house and my boyriend's home and work two jobs. We don't have a whole lot of money for paid help to come in. I'm not really sure if these things are normal for 70 years or not. I did talk to her primary care doctor about my concerns this week.... they prescribed an anxiety medication in addition to the depression medication. Please give me any suggestions or guideance.
But depression can be behind these behaviors, and you already know she has depression. Is her PCP an internist or a family doctor? Your mother may benefit from seeing a geriatric psychiatrist or at least a geriatrician. Someone who doesn't specialize in mental health or in treating the elderly may not be the right person for this particular problem.
Maybe Mom needs a different antidepressant instead of or in addition to an anti-anxiety med.
Do you think her roommate's depression has an effect on Mom?
Keep an eye on her. My suggestion is to have her checked out by a specialist. Get the depression under control.
And congratulations on having all the paperwork in place! Good for you! I'm sure you'll be proactive for your mother's health.
Medicare does not pay for in-home help. Medicaid does. Would she be eligible for Medicaid?